Gov. Rick Scott chose Tallahassee veterans Thursday to lead three of his state agencies.
Doug Darling will head up the newly formed Department of Economic Opportunity; Cynthia Lorenzo, who had been interim director, will oversee the Agency for Workforce Innovation; and Mike Hansen will lead theAgency for Persons with Disabilities.
Scott had named Darling as a deputy chief of staff and director of Cabinet affairs back in January. A veteran of the Marine Corps who rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel, Darling has an extensive background in military affairs, having served as a liaison to Congress for the Navy department. He also served as chief of staff and inspector general in the state Department of Environmental Protection. In his new position, he will be facing the challenges of setting up the new department, which looks to offer incentives to businesses both considering a move to the Sunshine State and keeping jobs in Florida.
As we work to make Florida the best place for businesses to grow, expand and create jobs, I am confident in Dougs ability to lead our efforts to streamline existing economic development functions into one agency, Scott said in a statement released Thursday. Along with Commerce Secretary Gray Swoope, the Department of Economic Opportunity with Doug Darling at the helm will help our state create jobs for Floridians.
Lorenzo, who had been deputy director of the Agency for Workforce Innovation, is no stranger to her new assignment. She has been serving as the interim director since Scott took office in January. She had also served as chief of staff and interim director of the state Department of Juvenile Justice.
Cynthia has basically led the Agency for Workforce Innovation for the past five years, said Scott. I am proud today to remove her interim designation.
Hansen served the state during Jeb Bushs terms in office, leading theOffice of Policy and Budget and serving as a policy coordinator in Health and Human Services. He also has extensive experience in both chambers of the state Legislature.
Mikes extensive experience with Medicaid services and budgeting will be of tremendous help as we continue to work to ensure the availability of services to one of Floridas most vulnerable populations, Scott said. At the same time, he will help us work with members of the disabilities community to develop strategies to avoid future budget deficits.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or at (850) 727-0859.
